Frequently asked questions about dishwashers


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8/02/2024
Read these short FAQs on how to use a dishwasher effectively to get the best possible results and avoid problems, and find out how a dishwasher works.

Frequently asked questions
How do dishwashers work?
Dishwashers clean your dishes by spraying them with hot water and dish Detergent through several water fills and drains, followed by drying. The hot water comes from spray arms or towers. Although they may differ in size, shape, and placement, they all work similarly to spread the detergent , remove soil and food residues , and then rinse your dishes clean. A hot dry cycle heats your dishes so they dry more quickly and with less water spotting.

Is there a correct way to load the dishwasher?
Every dishwasher is different, so always refer to your owner’s manual, butthe general principles of loading a dishwasher are typically the same. Always face dishes inwards towards the center of your machine. Put larger, bulky items like pots and baking sheets on the sides or in the back, paying special attention to the path of the sprayer and the location of your dishwasher’s detergent chamber. Glasses and heat-sensitive plastics should go in the top rack. Avoid water spots by placing glasses between tines, not over them. Try alternating the way you place cutleries into the utensil basket with some head-first and others feet-first to avoid accidental nesting during the wash cycle.

Do I have to use a dishwasher detergent, or can I use other types of soap in my dishwasher?
You should not substitute or add any other cleaning products or hand-dishwashing liquid for automatic dishwasher detergent. All other types of detergents or soaps produce too many suds for the water action to clean your dishes. Too many suds may also cause a dishwasher to overflow, which can be damaging to both your dishwasher and the surfaces around it.

Are there items I should not place in my dishwasher?
Yes. A good rule of thumb is to leave out wood, iron, aluminum, crystal and any china not labeled dishwasher-safe. Hand washing is a great choice for those items, as they can be permanently discolored or damaged in the dishwasher. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation on what is dishwasher-safe. Silver can be placed in the dishwasher but do not mix silver and steel in the same basket compartment as this can lead to tarnishing. When washing China, ensure to leave enough gaps between items.